Harbour Gallery

in demand Argyll artist Stuart Herd has opened a brand new gallery in Inveraray.

The new venture at 1 Main Street West, joins his premises in Tarbert, where he also has a working studio, and his well-established business in Argyle Street, Ullapool.

Despite the pandemic, demand for Stuart’s works and interest in his galleries soared last summer as lockdown relaxed and visitors returned.

He is delighted to have created two new jobs with the appointment of local art graduate Lynsey as manager, supported part-time by Ruth, who has a long history in the art world.

Incredibly, the new gallery was turned around in the first four months of the year with Scotland still in lockdown and the devoted national rugby fan unable to attend any Six Nation games to cheer on Gregor Townsend’s men.

Instead, Stuart created two large original paintings to mark the Calcutta Cup triumph over England at Twickenham, and then a second following Scotland’s Six Nations away victory against Les Bleus.

The works, which have also been made into limited edition prints, have gone down a storm, gathering traction among fans, players and Scottish Rugby Union officials.

Scotland scrum half Ali Price, who features prominently in the work ‘The Last Scrum Before The Try’ is among those to snap one up, while Lions winger Jonny May has signed one which will be auctioned in aid of charity.

A professional painter now for 16 years and famed for his beautiful acrylics on canvas, Stuart also needed to populate the new gallery with works local to the area to go sit alongside his signature treatments of Scottish Highland scenes and beaches

Stuart, aged 50, said: ‘It was a gamble and four months was really pushing it to open but I had always wanted a place in Inveraray and you had to look ahead to the ensuing summer. It looks really good, we have opened up the ceiling and I’m really proud of it.’

For more information go to https://www. theharbourgallery.com/

KINTYrE

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Top things to see, do and experience

DISTIllErIES Campbeltown is home to three whisky distilleries – Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle. All offer tours and tastings, and the Kintyre Gin distillery, on Torrisdale Castle estate, is open to visitors and have a gin school and cafe

TArBErT FESTIVAlS The small fi shing village of Tarbert is a cultural hub, hosting annual festivals including a book festival, seafood festival, music festival and the Scottish Series yachting event.

www.tarbertfestivals.co.uk

DAVAAr ISlAND This tidal island is linked to the mainland at Campbeltown by a shingle causeway. it’s known for its lighthouse and caves, one of which contains a life-sized crucifi xion painting. ISlE oF GIGHA A 20-minute ferry trip from Tayinloan, this community-owned island is a popular daytrip destination where the welcome is as warm as the gulf stream that enriches its climate. Gigha’s premier attraction is the colourful Achamore Gardens.

www.gigha.org.uk

GolF Machrihanish Golf Club is celebrated worldwide, and no golf enthusiast will want to miss a round on this links course, which boasts sea views and the best opening hole in the country. www.machgolf.com

mUll oF KINTYrE forever associated with Paul McCartney’s song, this remote headland marks the tip of the Kintyre peninsula. The effort of reaching it is repaid with dramatic views towards ireland. SKIpNESS CASTlE AND KIlBrANNAN CHApEl A short drive from Tarbert, this 11th-century castle showcases a blend of architectural styles. There’s plenty to see inside, including views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.

mACHrIHANISH BEACH Known for its white sands and clear water, Machrihanish’s long beach is only one of many Kintyre beaches – try Westport, Dunaverty, bellochantuy or Muasdale if you’re searching for atmosphere and the sensation of sand between your toes.

KINTYrE WAY This long-distance path takes a winding and beautiful route down the length of the Kintyre peninsula, from Tarbert to Machrihanish. you can do the whole challenge over several days, or just hop on for a stroll. www.scotlandsgreattrails.com